Jazz artists mount evocative performance at the launch of Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2023 paying tribute to departed music icons
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
Invited guests that included the Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi were given a taste of what to expect at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz concert on Wednesday July 26, 2023, at the launch of this year’s art feast at Empire Conference Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg.
At the launch, jazz maestro that have passed on pre-Covid-19, during Covid-19 and post the global pandemic were honoured by a make-shift band that performed spiritedly, giving the late jazz icons that include Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Mankunku Ngozi, among others. The band that morphed into a jamming session paid tribute to these icons, by in some cases sampling music from the rich jazz repertoire of the departed musicians.
It felt as if the spirits of these musicians were in the room as the audience embraced the performance and danced the evening away as they enjoyed food and drink, as well as reconnecting after so many years of isolation, partly emanating from the lockdown during the pandemic, but also as they face the vagaries of life in a tough economic and social environment.
The gathering on Wednesday, was also not just connecting with the spirit of the dead musicians, but also the reconnecting of the living. Intimate hugs were witnessed and almost hysterical greetings were also witnessed as guests were excited to once again meet their friends last having been seen for a long time under an atmosphere of revelry.
And so the launch of this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz on Wednesday was much more than a launch of a popular music festival. It was also a rebooting of friendships. This in many way demonstrated how powerful is physical connection, something society often takes for granted and only to be reminded of its importance in human existence by the tragic issue of the global pandemic.
The make shift band comprised of a selection of instrumentalists and vocalists anchored by saxophonist McCoy Mrubatha, bassists Billy Monama and Fana Zulu, who evoked the spirits of the dead, and in return triggering a st6eram of emotions in the audience, some of whom took to the floor in response to the power of the music and the performance.
At some stage it even felt as if we were at the actual Concert at the Sandton Convention Centre on September 29 and September 30, 2023. In other words the performance brought the actual date of the concert forward by their evocative artistry.
IT also assisted in that the two programme directors for the evening Percy Mabandu and Shado Twala are recognised voices in jazz circles, who managed to smooth over the technical glitches that saw connecting live with musicians overseas become impossible. This year’s slogan’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz – Feel the Jazz. Everywhere! Is also a punchy one. Lesufi got everyone laughing when he said,” If you hear about jazz happening somewhere else take note of it, but if it is happening in Gauteng, attend.”
The 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2023, returns with the promise of exhilarating experiences for music lovers to Feel the Jazz, Everywhere!
Africa’s premier jazz festival takes place on 29 and 30 September 2023 at the Sandton International Convention Central, with an exciting line-up of headlining jazz stars from across the world.
Over two fun-filled days, across the four main stages, the producers of the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz have curated a show for music lovers to reconnect and feel the jazz everywhere indeed.
The Dinaledi Stage will be headlined by the most successful cross-over musician of his generation, Grammy Award winner Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider and Friends Ayanda Nhlangothi, Vusi Nhlapo and Vuyo Tshuma on Vocals whowill represent the Mzansi version of the grand doowop tradition with inimitable style. The Grand Stage will also feature the marvellous trumpeter, multi-band leader and composer, Marcus Wyatt; and Kwa Zulu Natal bred guitar maestro, Ernie Smith.
Another Grammy Award winner, pianist and composer Robert Glasperwill headline The Conga Stage,alongside a league of contemporary jazz giants respected in straight ahead jazz and their foray into other genres.
Both casuals and connoisseurs will be wowed by leading reedman Alexander Beets’ Quintet with pianist Miguel Rodriguez, bassist Marius Beets, drummer Sven Rozier and tenor man Lucas Santana. They will present a perfect blend of swing, ballads, standards and originals, drenched in verve of contemporary jazz.
As part of a series of specially curated tribute performances,guitarist Billy Monama will pay tribute to Allen Kwela.He will be joined byspecial guestsTiti Luzipoand Mimi Mtshali.
In another special tribute, The Hugh Masekela Band, withLeeroy Sauls,Godfrey Mgcina,Fana Zulu, Cameron Ward Johan Mthethwa, Sydney Mavundla, Percy Mbonani, Mluleki Chuma and Selema Mokgothi on vocals will honour the late great trumpeter.
Music lovers can also look forward to a not-to-be-missed offering by the amazingly gifted vocalist and song-stylist,Zoe Modiga. The imaginative composer and bassist, Carlo Mombelli also returns to thrill fans with his unique angular brand of jazz.
In what is to be the most high-powered tribute on the bill, bassist and composer Herbie Tsoaeliwill presentBASSLINE:a project in tribute to the late legendary bassist and jazz pioneer Johnny Dyani.The tribute will feature contemporary bass kings,Viwe Mkizwana and Dalusi Ndlazi. The instrumental tribute will have warm counter point with Titi Lozipho paying tribute to Gloria Bosman;a timely ode to the recently departed singer and composer.
Sagacious reedman McCoy Mrubata and Brasskap will ascend the Joy of Jazz stage which includesHlubi Kwebulana, Lwanda Gogwana, Jabu Magubane, Gareth Harvey, Wandile Molefe, Nhlanhla Radebe, Bernice Boikanyo.
Jazz lovers can also look forward to multi-award-winning pianist and Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA) award alumnus Nduduzo Makhathini Triowith Cuban drummer Francisco Mela, and bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere featuringOmagugu Makhathini.
The Mbira Stagewill feature an exciting selection of musical entertainers with an appeal to a broad sonic taste spectrum, Zonke, Buhle Bendaloof the soil fame, Max-Hobawill present a tribute to Jabu Khanyile;other soulful singers on the bill includeAmi Faku, Langa Mavuso, Samthing Sowetoalong with the voice of our contemporary political conscienceSimphiwe Dana.
There’s also iNkabi Zezwe Reframed,an exciting outfit that features SAMA award-wining trumpeter Ndabo Zulu and the current Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz (SBYA), Linda Sikhakhane
Music lovers with a lighter and more adventurous palette will love the Lounge Jazz Market. 4EVERJAZZ hosted by Nothemba Madumo will feature percussionist, Thomas Dyani., along with MARUMO FEMMEwithMammello and Kopano.
The slick sonic selectors on the decks, DJ HAPPY Jas well as Di Castro, along with the inimitable maestro DJ KENZHERO EXPERIENCE featuring Melo B Jones on vocals and Drum Machine and Me-Ko on Keys and Trumpet. Lounge and house heads can also look forward to a uniquely delicious musical experience with the return of BREAKFAST AT KHUJOS to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
“We feel very excited about this year’s festival offering. It allows us to reconnect with our patrons and jazz lovers everywhere with the same passion and excitement they are used to. This is year feels like we are really back and have turned the page on the interruption of the pandemic years, much more than last year” says Festival Producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi.
“We have been a sponsor and partner to the Joy of Jazz for over 20 years, and we are immensely proud to be affiliated with an event of such high quality. We’re excited about this world-class festival’s future and our continued association with Johannesburg’s premier jazz event – it is cause for celebration and a tribute to the city. Since its inception in 1997, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival has provided a platform for African artists to join the world stage along with global icons,” says Yolisa Koza Head of Brand Experience at Standard Bank.
She adds: “Bringing international artists to local audiences is as important to us as nurturing and growing local jazz talent: The 2023 Joy of Jazz will bring jazz enthusiasts the best of both. Standard Bank is committed to supporting the arts as we recognise the importance of encouraging creative expression, engagement and social interaction. We have seen the role that the arts plays in meaningfully growing and transforming people and communities.”
Standard Bank Card Holder Discount:
Tickets are available at Computicket (both online and instore) and Standard Bank card holders qualify for a discount of up to 15%. The offer is limited to two tickets per person, and only on usage of a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card and is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Full Ticket Prices Are:
R950 Day Pass
R1800 Weekend Pass
Early Bird discount which ends on 30th August 2023 on is:
R875 Day Pass
R1750 Weekend Pass